DeSoto County dispatcher hailed a hero after saving choking baby

ARCADIA, Fla. — A DeSoto County dispatcher became a hero on Friday after saving the life of a 10-month-old baby girl.

Lisa Gardner noticed her daughter, Adeline, was choking when she turned to her crib and saw her turning blue.

Gardner took Adeline out of her crib while Adeline’s grandmother frantically called 911.

The dispatcher instructed her over the phone on how to clear her airway.

Within seconds, Adeline screamed, which Gardner recalled as the best sound she’s ever heard.

“You could hear it like a suction cup, just go down and up,” Gardner said. “She threw up just a little bit and then she started screaming.”

Gardner said the situation felt like an eternity but was grateful the operator stayed on the line with them and helped save her daughter’s life.

“I could never repay them for what they did,” Gardner said. “They saved my kid. You can never say thank you enough.”

Adeline’s family plans on sending the dispatcher a card to express their gratitude.